550-S Vintage Spyder – Purpose Built Porsche

Don’t be fooled by its Lilliputian stature. A giant killer in the mid-1950s, the 550 was Porsche’s first purpose-built racecar. It’s singular reason for existence was to win races. Constructed with a curvaceous aluminum body wrapped around a tubular steel ladder chassis that had a mid/rear mounted 1.5-liter air-cooled flat-4 engine, the 550 weighed 550 kilograms (1,213 pounds). With its 110hp engine in such a lightweight, superb handling machine, the 550 beat every other vehicle within its own class and could run with much higher-powered (but heavier) machines. Spectators of the 1954 Mille Miglia witnessed driver Hanns Hermann and navigator Herbert Linge race the low slung Porsche under a railroad gate milliseconds before an approaching train. At the 1954 Le Mans, a 550 won its class. Also known as a Spyder or RS, the 550-placed first overall at the ’56 Targa Florio contest in Palermo, Sicily, giving Porsche its first overall victory ever.

The most infamous 550-serial No. 0055-belonged to actor and amateur sports car racer James Dean. His untimely demise was in this car, which he nicknamed Little Bastard. Dean’s fatal crash was at the intersection of Highways 46 and 41, in Central California, on September 30, 1955.

In total, Porsche produced 90 550 Spyder RS models, 78 of which were for the general public-the remaining 12 were raced by Porsche factory drivers. The 550 is significant, as it ushered in Porsche’s illustrious racing history. Porsches became bigger, faster, and better in successive years. But, especially in terms of racing dominance, the diminutive 550 started it all.

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We recently discovered that the renowned Porsche 550 replica manufacturer, Vintage Spyders, in Stanton, California, had completed another fresh 550-S. The “S” designates a most spectacular powerplant for the little Goliath-killing Porsche. Vintage Spyders customers can take delivery of a turnkey minus car that’s set up to accommodate a 2.5-liter, 210hp normally aspirated and water-cooled Subaru four cylinder engine. With 160 hp to the rear wheels, one can image how the VS 550-S performs.

KIT CAR wanted to do more than simply imagine, so we contacted VS’ owner, Greg Leach, and arranged to see, hear, photograph, and ride in the little baby. In a pursuit vehicle, we followed Greg jamming down Beach Boulevard to Surf City, also known as Huntington Beach, and grabbed as many driving shots as we could. It was mighty tricky keeping up with the roadster, what with Greg’s ability to dice around in heavy beach traffic.

When the photo shoot was complete, KIT CAR was graciously offered a ride back to the Vintage Spyders shop. Had we not just met Greg for the first time, we might have been so bold as to request the keys. Clad in the ever-present Teutonic Porsche silver with flying Mobilgas Pegasus logos on its front flanks, the Subaru-powered machine had amazing quickness and speed. The car felt tight and responsive. We didn’t notice any cowl shake, and were astounded that we could carry on a conversation without shouting when going upwards of 50 mph. Some young Huntington Beach dudes gave us the thumbs up and yelled at Greg to light ’em up. Without getting cited for exhibition of speed, Greg did provide the potential surf cats with a most rapid display of acceleration from dead stop. The boys were impressed. But, we didn’t hear from them again, as they were in our wake.

We arrived back at Vintage Spyders shop after sunset with me having but one regret: I didn’t get a turn behind the Porsche-emblazoned Banjo wheel to see how swift this little beauty feels from the driver seat. Maybe next time Greg will let me have a go. If so, you may rest assured KIT CAR will give all the thrilling details.